WARREN, N.J., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Mobile USA, LLC, the nation's leading wireless youth network, is now the first mobile carrier to provide a recycling envelope in every new handset package, purchased online or at retail. In partnership with ReCellular, the world's foremost collector, reseller and recycler of used cell phones and accessories, Virgin Mobile is educating its customers about the importance of recycling phones, and encouraging them to pass along used mobile phones by placing over 2 million postage-paid recycling envelopes in new Virgin Mobile phones. Used phones returned to the company may be resold to other markets or donated and recycled by ReCellular. Information about the program is available at http://www.virginmobileusarecycle.com/.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061010/NYTU040LOGO )

"An estimated 500 million unused phones are sitting in drawers and closets around the country, and less than 10% of these are recycled," said Dan Schulman, chief executive officer, Virgin Mobile USA. "We believe making it easy for our used phones to be returned and reused is the most responsible step to take." The companies have been planning this initiative for months and envelopes began appearing in new phones last month. "We felt that the upcoming occasion of 'America Recycles Day' on November 15 is a terrific opportunity to focus consumers on the importance of doing this with cell phones to help save the environment," added Schulman.

According to Virgin Mobile, phones may be refurbished and distributed where mobile phones are needed at a reduced price. If a phone cannot be re-used or refurbished, it will be recycled for alternative uses like plastic fencing and toy production.

"Virgin Mobile has stepped to the forefront as a leader in cellular phone recycling, joining us in the critical efforts to combat hazardous materials penetrating the earth," said Charles Newman, president and chief executive officer of ReCellular, Inc. "This is a particularly important step given the recent compliance legislation passed in California and New York and expected to pass in most states over the coming year." According to a study conducted by environmental research company INFORM Inc., more than 1 billion cell phones are used worldwide. As of 2005, about 130 million cell phones weighing approximately 65,000 tons of waste were being retired annually in the U.S.

Helping The Environment and Homeless Youth

Virgin Mobile will donate 100% of the profits from this recycling program to its partners that support homeless youth. Virgin Mobile introduced its aggressive and innovative cause-related partnership, "The Re*Generation," earlier this year, connecting young people in need with those who want to help make a difference with non-profit partners YouthNoise and StandUp For Kids. As part of that initiative, customers who send in phones to be recycled will receive a custom-designed cell phone charm designed by the winner of the company's Charm Contest held this past summer.

About ReCellular Inc.

ReCellular Inc. is the world's foremost collector, reseller and recycler of used wireless phones and accessories. We trade in refurbished cell phones, used wireless equipment, reconditioned mobile phones and more. We provide solutions for the collection, reuse and recycling of used personal electronics that generate financial return for our partners, quality products for our customers, funding for charity and protection of the environment. For more information about ReCellular, call 1-800-441-1544 or log on to http://www.recellular.com/.

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:

Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the nation's first wireless network created for and defined by youth. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. The country's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile's four million customers have access to a service portfolio that includes multiple voice pricing options, a full range of handsets and a broad array of messaging, music and mobile content offerings -- without long-term contracts. J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile as America's top prepaid wireless carrier for Customer Satisfaction Excellence and for providing ''An Outstanding Customer Service Experience'' under the Certified Call Center Program(SM).

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 25,000 locations nationwide with Top-Up cards available at more than 100,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/ or by calling 888-322-1122.

About ReCellular Inc.:

ReCellular Inc. is the world's foremost collector, reseller and recycler of used wireless phones and accessories. We trade in refurbished cell phones, used wireless equipment, reconditioned mobile phones and more. We provide solutions for the collection, reuse and recycling of used personal electronics that generate financial return for our partners, quality products for our customers, funding for charity and protection of the environment. For more information about ReCellular, call 1-800-441-1544 or log on to http://www.recellular.com/.

CONTACT: Corinne Nosal of Virgin Mobile USA, +1-908-607-4235,
Corinne.nosal@virginmobileusa.com; Alysa McKenna, +1-212-455-8023,
amckenna@cooperkatz.com, for Virgin Mobile USA; Ryan Barry, +1-773-617-8028,
rbarry@clearblue.biz, for ReCellular

Web site: http://www.virginmobileusarecycle.com/
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/
http://www.recellular.com/